News

Unless it is blocked by the courts, the United States government will change how it makes “public charge” decisions starting October 15, 2019. “Public charge” or the “public charge test” is used by immigration officials to decide whether a person can enter the United States or get a green card.

On July 1,2019, some changes to Vermont’s landlord-tenant and fair housing laws took effect. They make it illegal to discriminate against someone because they are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. They also give victims a process to end their lease early, change locks and more.

We’ve been working to upgrade our legal help website at VTLawHelp.org. We launched an upgraded Drupal 8 website as the first part of this process. You will see that the website has the same content, tools and forms as before, but they have a new look.

The Green Mountain Care Board is considering whether to raise health insurance premium prices for individual and small employer plans. BCBSVT asked for an increase of 15.6%, on average. MVP asked for 8.5%, on average. The public comment period for these plans ends in late July.

Vermont Legal Aid is holding free Advance Planning Workshops around the state. The next one is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2019, at our offices at 274 North Winooski Avenue in Burlington, Vermont.

This year the federal and state tax returns are due on April 15, 2019. Many people are required to file tax returns each year, while others choose to file in order to claim credits or other benefits. You may qualify for free tax filing help.